Another man named Abu Sabir, who was tasked with polishing the stone for the Sultan was unfairly accused of working with Jehver Agha and was tortured and executed. The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat 9.104 g diamond discovered in the 17th century at the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India, and was first extracted there. How the Priceless Hope Diamond Traveled Through USPS, Mystery of the Hope Diamond: Behind the Scenes, Historic Findings in the Smithsonian's Curators Reports, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Art. He then began to borrow money, sending him into even further decline. The Hope Diamond was bought by King Louis XIV of France in 1668. When it was in Fals possession, his son, Hendrik, stole the gem ruining his father, who was said to have died in grief. On October 5, 1789, an angry mob of Parisian working men and women marched on the Palace of Versailles and forcibly moved the royal family to Paris because they felt the King would be more accountable to the people if he lived among them. New York, He is deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer science magazine and has written, edited or contributed to more than 20 books, including "Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries,""Tracking the Chupacabra: The Vampire Beast in Fact, Fiction, and Folklore" and Investigating Ghosts: The Scientific Search for Spirits, out in fall 2017. It is about the size of a walnut. This diamond, which was most likely from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India, was somewhat triangular in shape and crudely cut. That's what its market value would imply, anyway: Today the sky-blue gem is worth a quarter of a billion dollars. 3 3.The Cursed Hope Diamond And Its Many "Victims" 4 4.10 Victims of the Hope Diamond Curse | Mental Floss; 5 5.Hope Diamond - Wikipedia; 6 6.The Hope Diamond Mystery and Curse; 7 7.Is The Hope Diamond Really Cursed? But the King did not admonish her and was so enamored of her that she was painted holding the Blue Diamond of the Crown. French King XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701. You can see the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History in the Harry Winston Gallery. Fouquet was then imprisoned at the Fortress of Pignerol in 1664, where he stayed until his death in 1680. The diamond has changed hands many times, and for a few periods in its life, the name of the owner is lost to history. In 1630, French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier began making a series of six voyages from France to Persia and India to trade in precious stones and other high-end wares. Legend has it that Kulub Bey was captured by a mob after the uprising and slowly strangled to death. Legend has it that the infamous Hope diamond brings misfortune to whoever owns it. It has been the plaything of kings and sultans and has decorated the necks of many an heiress and empress. Whether he was affected by the curse, King Louis XIV suffered when all of his legitimate children, but one, died in childhood. In 1715, King Louis XV took the throne at the age of five, but the kingdom was ruled by Philippe II, the Duke of Orleans, until the king reached the age of 13. Mrs. McLean bequeathed the Hope Diamond to her grandchildren with the requirement that it would remain in the custody of trustees until the eldest child reached 25 years of age. The diamond was missing for a few decades, and was recut into a smaller gem. It was apparently unearthed in the Golconda mines by the Kistna River in southwest India, and made its European debut in 1642, when it was bought by a French merchant [who sold it to] King Louis XIV for a handsome profit but was mauled to death by a pack of wild dogs.". He then got in another crash, injuring his head. TheHope Diamond, one of the most famous jewels in the world, has a historydating back almost four centuries. However, accompanying the Hope Diamond is an unusual history of gruesome deaths and disasters. In 1901 Lord Francis Hope sold the Blue Diamond to help pay off his debts, and the following year, he claimed bankruptcy, lost his foot in a hunting accident, and divorced May Yoh. However, there are many people who would think twice about buying it, for it is said to be cursed. New York, Time-Life Books,Mysteries of the Unknown During their marriage, Yohe was known to have worn the diamond at least once, but she later claimed she had worn itat several social gatherings,although Lord Francis claimed otherwise. His mistress, whose name was Francoise-Athenas de Rochechouart, was from one of the oldest noble families of France and grew up to marry French Nobleman Louis Henri de Pardaillan de Gondrin, the Marquis of Montespan. In 1669, he received patents of nobility, and the following year, he purchased a large estate near Geneva, Switzerland, and spent his next years writing and publishing accounts of his journeys. It is about the size of a walnut. In 1929, Edward McLean went off with another woman and even claimed to have married her, but he hadnt. The Curse of Hope Diamond #shorts - YouTube The Curse of Hope Diamond #shorts Index Daily 1.3K Dislike 17 Share Just out doing my job Nick Jonsson Like Dislike Comment Share Falling Box. However, other versions say that between 1901 and 1908, the stone was bought and sold several times. To some, it's an eerie and unexplainable pattern that sees those who come into close contact with the $250 million jewel experience misfortune . . He covers pseudoscience, psychology, urban legends and the science behind "unexplained" or mysterious phenomenon. Afterward, the stone was sold to Parisian jewel merchant Simon Rosenau who sold it in 1910 to Pierre Cartier, a French jeweler who owned one of the most respected firms in Paris, London, and New York. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). For the next ten years, the Hope diamond was shown at many exhibits and charitable events worldwide. He described that the stone, weighing over 45 carats, was in possession of a London diamond merchant Daniel Eliason and the gem was for sale. As the years went by, she was reduced to working as a housekeeper and a clerk. . In the meantime, the jewels of the French Royal Treasury had been turned over to the new government. The Hope diamond exchanged hands a few times before American jeweler Pierre Cartier obtained it, and again the "curse" skipped him. Due to the open royal adultery, the Roman Catholic Church soon became her adversary. The Hope Diamond curse story is more a morality fable about the cardinal sin of greed since nearly everyone has something bad or tragic happen to them. Though he tried to project an image of a healthy and virile king, he suffered several ailments in his life, including symptoms of diabetes, recurring boils, fainting spells, gout, dizziness, hot flushes, headaches, and underwent a painful operation. The Hope diamond is truly unique. French monarchs, an heiress, and at least one unlucky postman have met misfortune after possessing itthough does that really constitute a curse? 6 Famous Historical Curses, World's largest communication satellite is a photobombing menace, astronomers warn, Watch the 'Cold Moon' eclipse Mars during the final full moon of 2022. One of those reasons is the curse that is rumored to have attached itself to this $250 million gem. After she andFrancis Hope divorced, she married the handsome Army captain but was divorced just a few years later. While many jewels were later recovered, including other pieces of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the French Blue was not among them, and it disappeared from history. The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today for our Black Frida offer - Save up to 50%, Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. The same year, the stone was back in possession of the Frankels, who made a concerted effort to sell what they called the hood diamond. The following person to acquire it was a well-known Greek jewel broker named Simon Maoncharides, who acquired the stone in late 1908. With these traits, he assumed the responsibilities of running a nation that was heavily in debt. (Image credit: Smithsonian Institution.) Byways & Historic Trails Great Drives in America, Soldiers and Officers in American History, George Bent Cheyenne-American Soldier & Leader, Susan Magoffin Recording the Santa Fe Trail. The Hope Diamond History of the Hope Diamond The history of the stone which was eventually named the Hope Diamond began when the French merchant traveler, Jean Baptiste Tavernier, purchased a 112 3/16-carat diamond. A typical Eastern superstition is that the possession of extremely large diamonds always brings misfortune. Allegedly, the first to purchase it was French banker Jaques Colet, who bought the Hope Diamond from Simon Frankel, and just a short time later, Colet went mad and committed suicide. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette faced the angry mob at the Palace in October 1769. However, when Cartier reset the diamond into a more modern piece, he sold it to Edward B. McLean on behalf of his wife Evalyn in January 1911 for $180,000. The first time she wore the diamond on stage, she was shot by a man in the audience that many people said was the Russian prince himself. Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, who were beheaded, are often cited as victims of the curse. His final voyages securedfor him a large fortune and great reputation at home. This fact only strengthens the belief in the minds of the superstitious that large diamonds are the cause of the misfortune of their owners.". Afterward, the pair stopped seeing each other for a brief period before they resumed their relationship. Part 3 Cursed Diamonds. It was last reported to be insured for $250 million. Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat (9.104 g) diamond discovered in the 17th century at the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India The Hope Diamond is on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and measures 45.52 carats (9.104 grams) of mined kimberlite. On the night that the deal was concluded, Maoncharides accidentally drove his carriage over a precipice, killing himself, his wife, and child. The Curse of the Hope Diamond Sidedoor Season 3 08.08.2018 The Hope Diamond is one of the most iconic items in the Smithsonian's collections, but this glittering gem is rumored to have a dark side. One of the most spectacular gems in the world is the Hope Diamond, a beautiful blue diamond weighing over 45 carats. Could they infect people? Years later, Hendrik Fals killed himself in 1830. The Curse of the Hope Diamond: It is the largest, most famous, and most valuable gemstone in the world. The following year, Edward McLeans increasingly erratic behavior and reckless spending led to the forced sale of The Washington Post newspaper in 1933, which he had inherited in 1916. No one truly . To avert the deepening crisis, Louis agreed to summon the estates-general (a form of parliament, but without real power). McLean and her husband obtained it in 1912 and proceeded to lead a notably tragic life. In fact, historians suspect Cartier embellished some of the curse rumors to entice the diamond's next buyer, the glamorous Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, who became the modern poster child for the stone . But where did such a story originate? Ben has a master's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in psychology. stolen) from an idol in Indiaa curse that foretold bad luck and death not only for the owner of the diamond but for all who touched it. In November 1958, Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution to help establish a national jewel collection. [Countdown: Real or Not? Shortly after she got the diamond her mother-in-law died. According to the legend, a curse attends the owner of the Hope diamond, a curse that first befell the large, blue gem when it was plucked (i.e. However, the Hope diamond curse becomes far less mysterious when we realize that it's not just death but any misfortune (including, apparently, financial ruin, suicide, beheadings, and being eaten by wild dogs) that's included in the legendand it's not just bad things that afflicted the owners but also their extended families and friends as well. Sometimes called the most famous jewel in the world, a question often asked. Its ownership records date back more than three centuries ago! Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The story goes that the curse began with the Tavernier Blue, which was the precursor to several large diamonds, including the Hope Diamond. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier's sketch of the original Blue Diamond. Jean-Baptiste Taverniers sketch of the original Blue Diamond. stolen) from an idol in Indiaa curse that foretold bad luck and death not only for the owner of the diamond but for all who touched it. A few months later, Zubayaba was stabbed and killed by a low-level official in the treasury who tried to steal the gem. Take this with a grain of salt, because it's never been proved: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier stole the 115.16-carat blue diamond from a Hindu statue, where it was serving as one of the eyes. In the meantime, the public was unaware of the whereabouts of the beautiful blue diamond until a man named John Francillion documented that a large blue diamond was in London, England, in 1812. Though many believed the precious stone was cursed due to its owners many tragedies, others felt strongly that these tales were perpetuated to add mystique to the stone, increase its sales appeal, and increase newspaper sales. 'Zombie' viruses have been revived from Siberian permafrost. The Curse of the Hope Diamond Now you know how the Hope Diamond came into existence. Later the precious stone would pass to Henry Thomas Hopes grandson, Lord Francis Hope, who lived beyond his means. Undeniably beautiful and intriguing, this big blue stone is said to curse any person brave enough to own or merely touch it, bringing misfortune and grisly death on its victims. Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem - Paperback VG. In June 1791, the royal family attempted to escape, but they were soon brought back to Paris, by which time the King had lost all credibility as a monarch. That year, Cartier tried to sell it to American mining heiress and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. However, in the spirit of the coming Halloween holiday, we'll stick strictly with the spooky stuff. The stunning 45 carat blue diamond did not always look like the exquisite necklace on display at the Smithsonian Institution today. In the words of the Smithsonian, "More than anyone, Evalyn Walsh McLean became the poster child for the Hope diamond's legendary curse.". In 1839, the diamond was acquired by Henry Thomas Hope, which is how it got its name. Still, the borrowing required to pay for the war drove the government to the brink of bankruptcy. . The Hope curse, it turns out, was more or less a sensational story added by journalists in the late 1800s to sell newspapers. Small amounts of boron molecules embedded in its structure have given the diamond an unusual blue color. French monarchs, an heiress, and at least one unlucky postman have met misfortune after possessing itthough does that really constitute a curse? However, Evalyn died deeply in debt, and the trustees gained permission to sell her jewels to settle her debts. While some of the owners are known to have indeed died bloody deaths (Marie Antoinette's beheading by guillotine being a prime example), many of the other tragedies attributed to the stone have never been confirmed and are little more than rumor. Though the King appealed to the priests superiors, the Church refused to yield to the kings demands. The Legendary Curse of the Hope Diamond: Directed by Delbert Mann. Ever since the Hope Diamond, one of the largest and most famous colored diamonds in the world, appeared on the market in the 1830s, it has become notorious for allegedly spreading a deadly curse . After Hope's death, the diamond passed through the hands of several owners. When King George died in 1830, his estate was encumbered by outstanding debt, and it is thought that the diamond, along with other jewelry and personal effects, were sold to cover the many debts he had left behind. Of course not! There are plenty of stories of the stone's owners meeting horrible fates, but scholars tend to believe that many of these tales were cooked up or embellished on, at one time or another, by the gem's various owners, in hopes that an incredible history would fetch the diamond a better price in a sale. It has passed through many hands and seen quite a few deaths. - YouTube The history of the HOPE DIAMOND is one of mystery, intrigue and tragedy. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous chunks of mineral in the history of the world, and the mystery of the Hope Diamond Curse is a big part of that. Fearful of his reputation, the King stopped seeing her publically but discreetly continued to visit her until 1691, when he retired her to the Filles de Saint-Joseph Convent. The Hope Diamond, one of the most famous jewels in the world, has a history dating back almost four centuries. The jeweler Henry Winston bought the diamond from McLean's estate and avoided its curse, eventually selling it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1958. The Marquise de Montespan first danced with King Louis XIV at a ball at the Louvre Palace and soon developed a romantic relationship. Tavernier returned to Paris on his final voyage in 1668 and, the same year, sold the large blue diamond to French King Louis XIV,along with 14 other large diamonds and several smaller ones. The curse from a Hindi goddess Ancient stories tell that diamond belonged in a statue of a Hindi goddess. However, it was not an easy sale, as negotiations took several months, which got mired down in a lawsuit, and the buyers required a blessing by a priest. | Barnebys Magazine; 8 8.The Secret History Of The Hope Diamond: How Pierre Cartier Sold A 9 9.The Curse of the Hope . The most commonly accepted origin of the curse dates back to 1653, when a French merchant named Jean Baptiste Tavernier obtained the original 115-carat blue diamond in India. Within months Habib Bey drowned during the sinking of a French steamer in 1909. The stone's "curse" skipped over Henry but came down with a vengeance on a descendant, Lord Francis Hope. Something that wished harm on someone. The thief, Jehver Agha, was caught by Kulub Bey and hanged after being tortured. Here, we'll focus on the people who owned the rock for the most significant chunks of time, and whose fates historians can confirm. The large blue diamond was then cut almost in half, resulting in a 69 carat stone. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). May Yoh, who was once married to Lord Francis Hope, offered her own account of the curse in a book and film released in 1921. The story of a curse is a recent part of the diamonds history, apparently having its origins in the early 20th century. Shortly afterward, the jeweler, Daniel Eliason, committed suicide. In addition to the Hope diamond, the collection also included the94.8-carat Star of the East diamond, the 15-carat Star of the South diamond, a 9-carat green diamond, and a 31-carat diamond which is now called the McLean Diamond. Owning the diamond has brought nothing but good luck for the nonprofit national museum, according to a Smithsonian curator. He was never released and died in 1941. During the missing years, a Dutch diamond cutter named Wilhelm Fals somehow obtained the diamond recut the precious stone to hide the jewels identity. In some versions of its history, Frankel kept the diamond until he sold it to Salomon Habib, a wealthy Turkish diamond collector, in 1908. The museum, too, did well attendance grew and the museum is now home to one of the world's finest gem collections but James Todd, the postman who delivered it, did indeed meet with misfortune: He was hit by a truck (not fatally), his wife and dog died not long after, and his home caught fire. The hypnotic blue stone has seduced kings, sultans, and heiresses to take the risk that the curse may fall upon them. In fact, the story is a myth: Tavernier returned to France and sold the gem to King Louis XIV for a pretty penny, after which he retired to Russia and died peacefully there. The 45.52 carat Hope Diamond is a rare blue naturally occurring diamond that currently resides in the Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC. Perhaps the museum is lucky to be one of the owners spared the wrath of the Hope diamond. Mrs. McLean wore it the diamond publically for the first time to a reception in February 1912. A look at the Hope Diamond and other allegedly cursed gems from recent history. In September 1792, the new National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Yohe fell head over heels in love with the dashing captain and refused to return to England with Lord Francis. Follow us on Twitter @llmysteries, then join us on Facebook. After Lord Francis received his inheritance at the age of 21, he married an American. The necklace chain contains 45 white diamonds. Undeniably beautiful and intriguing, this big blue stone is said to curse any person brave enough to own or merely touch it, bringing misfortune and grisly death on its victims. Since the Smithsonian acquired the gemstone, the curse appears to have gone dormant, and for decades, the Hope Diamond and the rest of the museums gem collection have brought only good luck to the museum with higher attendance. His final voyages secured. It was said that only a person with a pure heart could escape a doomed fate in this case a "pure heart" meaning someone who did not try to sell it but instead generously gave it away. One of her accusers even alleged that Montespan performed black masses, a sacrilegious accusation that effectively destroyed Montespans reputation. Hope remarried in 1904, had three children, inherited dukedom from his brother in 1928, and died a poor man in 1941 at the age of 75. Benjamin Radford is the Bad Science columnist for Live Science. Since the Victorian Era, stories of a Hope Diamond curse has circulated. Is the Hope Diamoned cursed? However, when the jeweler went to pay Beaulieu he found him dead in a lodging house, succumbing to fever. Formed in the depths of the Earth more than 1.1 billion years ago, the Hope Diamond is a 45.52 carat diamond that has made history for many reasons. In 1901, the stone was sold by Lord Francis Hope to Adolph Weil, a London jewel merchant, who, in turn, sold it to diamond dealer Simon Frankel, in New York for $148,000. Most famous jewel in the world? written by Ashley October 21, 2013. Public Broadcasting System Sign up to unlock the full Sidedoor experience! Still, the pair ignored financial problems and lived lavishly, gambled, and often traveled, squandering everything he had left, including jewelry, heirlooms, pictures, art, and land. His wife, Marie Antoinette, was executed nine months later. But, as it had allegedly happened to other owners, they eventually squandered their fortune. ThoughtCo The Hope Diamond on display at the Smithsonian. In the end, if the diamond was cursed, it did not seem to affect Tavernier, who lived a comfortable life until his death at the age of 84. In 1894, Lord Francis Hope met American concert hall singer May Yoh, and the two married the same year. In addition to the Hope diamond, the collection also included the94.8-carat Star of the East diamond, the 15-carat Star of the South diamond, a 9-carat green diamond, and a 31-carat diamond which is now called the McLean Diamond. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. During King Louis XIVs reign, another man who is said to have been affected by the curse was Nicholas Fouquet, the superintendent of the countrys finances. The Hope Diamond is a lustrous blue gem weighing 45.52 carats. Unfortunately, his political actions and stubborn personality would earn him the contempt of his subjects in the following years. The Hope diamond curse story is in some ways a morality fable about the cardinal sin of greed. But, could this notorious diamond actually be cursed? The beautiful 45.52 blue diamond is also said to be cursed, bringing misfortune and tragedy to its many owners over the years. Since nearly everyone (certainly any adult old and rich enough to own such a precious jewel) has something bad or tragic happen to him or her from an accident to a disease to a death in the family it's not difficult to make a list of such events and attribute them to the Hope diamond. A list of misfortunes associated with the Hope Diamonds from May Yohe's account of the curse. Evalyn mocked the curse joking that things that brought other people bad luck brought her good luck. This week, we've flipped the script and . When the priests discovered it was . The Hope Diamond is one of the most iconic items in the Smithsonian's collections, but this glittering gem is rumored to have a dark side. What is the curse of the Hope Diamond? However, his reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest recorded of any monarch of a sovereign country in European history. How did this diamond which originated in India, and accumulated history among Europe's aristocracy, end up in one of America's most beloved museums, the Smithsonian? The friction within the country led to the French Revolution. The Hope diamond exchanged hands a few times before American jeweler Pierre Cartier obtained it, and again the "curse" skipped him. The Curse of The Dragon's Gold by Jacynth Hope-Simpson Alberto Longoni Ill HC. During his early years, King Louis XV was well regarded and earned the nickname Louis the Well-Beloved. In 1749, the king had the Blue Diamond reset by court jeweler Andre Jacquemin in a piece of ceremonial jewelry for the Royal Order of the Golden Fleece. In 1822, a portrait of King George IV of England was painted in which the King was wearing the insignia of the Royal Order of the Golden Fleece set with a large blue stone bearing a striking resemblance to the French Blue diamond. She also reputedly wore the diamond several times in public. Wikipedia, Legends, Ghosts, Myths and Mysteries Main Page, Tavernier as a beautiful violet. Though the merchant documented his travels and the gems that he collected over the years, he did not state from whom, or when he obtained the large blue diamond that became known as the Tavernier Blue., along with 14 other large diamonds and several smaller ones. Afterward, she would be seen wearing the precious stone at numerous social events. For a special occasion, Fouquet was allowed to wear the precious stone. The court ordered that he be committed indefinitely to a psychiatric hospital. She was also known for openly disrespecting Queen Maria Theresa in public. Her young son was killed in a car accident, and her daughter committed suicide. At some point, between the years 1640 and 1667, he obtained a 115 carat (nearly the size of mans fist) precious stone that was somewhat triangular in shape, crudely cut, and described by Tavernier as a beautiful violet. Though the merchant documented his travels and the gems that he collected over the years, he did not state from whom, or when he obtained the large blue diamond that became known as the Tavernier Blue.. The same year, Edward was declared legally insane due to brain atrophy brought on by alcoholism. About the size of a walnut, the stone is estimated to be worth a quarter of a billion dollars. Louis, too, escaped misfortune despite his ownership of the "French Blue," as the Hope was then called. Afterward, Louis ignored advice from advisors and refused to abdicate the throne. Early legend says that Tavernier stole the diamond from a Hindu temple, where it was set as one of two matching eyes of an idol, and afterward, the temple priests laid a curse on whoever might possess the missing stone. The curse of the Hope Diamond Curses do not just exist in fairy tales. In 1675, a priest refused to give her absolution, which was necessary to take Easter communion, a requisite for all Catholics. King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette, lost their heads to the guillotine during the French Revolution, and their crown jewels including the diamond were ransacked by thieves. The Hope Diamond This famous cursed diamond is believed to have originated in India and brought to the west by thievery. In the meantime, King Louis XIV commissioned the court jeweler Jean Pitau to recut the Tavernier Blue to make him a piece to remember in 1673. Thus the curse if indeed there ever was one ended when jeweler Harry Winston donated (not sold) it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, where it can be seen today. As the museum states on its website, it "appears to have maintained the Hope curse-free.". During this time, he was also accused of damaging Frances foreign relations and continuously overspending. [Image Gallery: Two Ancient Curses]. A long history of blood, theft, intrigue, loss of empire, loss of life and other disasters belongs to each of the most celebrated diamonds, and for the most part the stories are historically true. In 1839, a large blue diamond appeared in the gem catalog of Henry Philip Hope, a London banker. So let us dive into the legend of the curse of the Hope Diamond. In the late 1830s and early 1840s, the diamond came into Philip Hope's hands. Because of its enormous size, it has disclosed new facts regarding the formation of diamonds. In addition to sensationalizing other accounts of misfortune, she claimed the Hope Diamond was the cause of her failed marriage and the loss of the Hope family fortune (Gates 1921). Though King Louis XV had the second-longest reign in the history of France, exceeded only by his predecessor and great-grandfather, Louis XIV, historians generally give his reign very low marks because wars drained the treasury, and his actions contributed to the decline of royal authority that led to the French Revolution in 1789. Louis XVI was just 20 years old when he assumed the throne and was still immature, lacking in self-confidence, and austere in manner. [How Are Fake Diamonds Made?]. $180,000. If you want to continue your adventure with the diamond, hop on over to the Smithsonians National Postal Museum where you can see the ordinary packaging that safely transported it to Washington, D.C., and learn more about its delivery story. Embedded, Curse, Coincidence, Inherited, Resurface, Lurk In fact there are dozens of others; according to "The Giant Book of Superstition" by Claudia de Lys, "Diamond superstitions are now found everywhere in the world. The macabre stories and legends surrounding the supposedly cursed Hope Diamond have become hopelessly intertwined with its factual history throughout the years. They would even help finance the Louisiana Purchase in America. The diamond remained with the French royal family until it was stolen in 1792 during the French Revolution. The story goes that Tavernier plucked the gem from one of the eyes of a Hindu idol and, for this sacrilege, was later mauled to death by dogs. Is this the Madame that scandalizes all France? DeBeers slogan (1947) predates Bond book (1956) and is different: A Diamond Is Forever | Diamonds Are Forever The Gift - anthro book about reciprocity Superman and the giant spider story - Kevin Smith Osiander's preface to Copernicus Robert Conrad (the actor) famous battery ads from 1979 David Trampier - artist for . NY 10036. However, one of Louis' descendants who inherited the stone was not as lucky. Karl Shuker, in his book "The Unexplained," relates the origin of this jeopardous gem: "it sparkled in the brow of an Indian temple idol until it was impiously plucked out by a thieving Hindu priest, whose punishment for this unholy act was a slow and agonizing death. Today, the Hope Diamond, described as the most famous diamond in the world, is exhibited in the Harry Winston Room in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals of the Natural History Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. By the 1900s, stories of the diamonds curse had been flourishing for years, with some saying that the original form of the Hope Diamond was stolen from the eye of a sculpted statue of the goddess Sita, the wife of Rama, a principal deity of Hinduism. The original thief, according to legend, died a slow and painful death, while the later owners, oblivious to the curse until it was too late, suffered as well. The Curse of the Hope Diamond Described as the most famous diamond in the world, the Hope Diamond truly is one of a kind and over the centuries has been on quite a journey. The couple lived in a small house close to the Louvre, which allowed Madame de Montespan to attend court often, where she quickly established herself as the reigning beauty of the court. She was also cultured, an amusing conversationalist, intelligent, and kept abreast of political events. Later, King Louis XVI was found guilty of treason and executed at the guillotine on January 21, 1793. Afterward, Habib Bey quickly sold the stone to Salomon Habib, acting on behalf of Abdul Hamid II, the Sultan of Turkey. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, This would have prevented any sale for the next two decades. Still, he refused to allow the state, church, and estates-general to meet simultaneously, causing the Third Estate to proclaim itself a national assembly and declaring that only it had the right to represent the nation. The author of the article presents a selective history of the Hope Diamond, sketching out the unlucky histories of former owners of the gem, beginning with Jean-Baptiste Tavernier and continuing through recent owners, including Lord Francis Hope and Simon Frankel, who suffered personally and financially after acquiring the Hope ( Kurin 2006 ). By the time they married, Hope was nearly bankrupt. Kathy Weiser-Alexander/Legends of America, updated November 2021. There are unconfirmed reports that it belonged to Britain's King George IV, whose estate sold it to pay off his enormous debts. The 115.16-carat blue diamond was apparently stolen from a Hindu statue, where it was serving as one of the eyes, by Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a 17th-century French gem trader. The Curse of the Hope Diamond. Madame de Montespan, King Louis IVs mistress, holding the Blue Diamond of the Crown. When she died in May 1707, at the age of 66, the king forbade her children to wear mourning for her. His website is www.BenjaminRadford.com. Source: DedMityay / Adobe . No chance, says new NASA study. Could they infect people? The Hope Diamond is a lustrous blue gem weighing 45.52 carats. It has a blue tint due to trace levels of boron present in it. Smithsonian Institution Afterward, she maintained a stage career off and on and married several more times. King Louis XIV and the royal family were ca[tured and returned to Paris after they tried to escape in 1791. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous and beautiful gemstones in the world, a 45.52-carat blue diamond which comes from Guntur, India. His lack of strength during the Seven Years War that lasted from 1756 and 1763 resulted in France losing nearly all of its colonial possessions in North America and India. Get bonus content, news, and updates in your inbox. In 1679, Montespan was accused of using witchcraft and aphrodisiacs to stay ahead of King Louiss other lovers. Beaulieu then traveled from Marseille, France, to London, England, to sell the diamond to jewel dealer Daniel Eliason. Top Image: Voodoo dolls are a common curse in some cultures. Surprising loss of sea ice after record-breaking Arctic storm is a mystery to scientists, Radioactive space rocks could have seeded life on Earth, new research suggests, Man holding penis and flanked by leopards is world's oldest narrative carving, Pregnancy causes dramatic changes in the brain, study confirms, Why have aliens never visited Earth? Another person said to have been cursed by the diamond during King Louis XIVs reign was his chief mistress, Madame de Montespan, with whom he had seven children. One early account appeared in the Washington Post on January 19, 1908 in the article Remarkable Jewel a HoodooHope Diamond Has Brought Trouble to All Who Have Owned It. The article began: The author of the article presents a selective history of the Hope Diamond, sketching out the unlucky histories of former owners of the gem, beginning with Jean-Baptiste Tavernier and continuing through recent owners, including Lord Francis Hope and Simon Frankel, who suffered personally and financially after acquiring the Hope (Kurin 2006). The showgirl ran off with one of his rivals and eventually died in poverty. He also lost his wife and dog to untimely deaths, and afterward, part of his house burned down. The Tavernier Blue, which was the predecessor to several huge diamonds, including the Hope Diamond, is said to have started the curse. The size and beauty of the Hope Diamond is enough to spark the intrigue of any gem and crystal lover. The list is wildly inaccurate, but representative of the stories swirling around the Hope in the early 1900s. In 1900 they made a tour of the world, and on their way home, met Captain Putnam Bradlee Strong, a handsome and popular man in the United States Army. Sponsored. English King George IV wearing what appears to be a large blue diamond. The Curse of the Hope Diamond: Directed by Mark Radice. She died in poverty in 1938 at the age of 72. Though both Edward and Evalyn had been warned not to buy the diamond by Edwards mother and May Yohe, the sale went through. Upon his death in 1715, his title and estate, including the Blue Diamond, were inherited by his five-year-old great-grandson, King Louis XV. Well, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History added the magnificent sky-blue gemstone to its collection 53 years ago today (Nov.10), and the institution has fared just fine so far. The sultan was later captured and imprisoned at Beylerbeyi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. At that time, she wasnt interested. Man holding penis and flanked by leopards is world's oldest narrative carving, Gold-and-garnet cross necklace found buried with wealthy medieval British woman, Surprising loss of sea ice after record-breaking Arctic storm is a mystery to scientists, Alien life on Venus? Benjamin Radford, M.Ed., is Deputy Editor of Skeptical Inquirer science magazine and author of seven books including Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries (opens in new tab). Louis XV died a hated man in May 1774, and the throne was succeeded by his grandson, Louis XVI. Case in point: the Hope Diamond caught everyone's eyes. Heres how it works. With such a large pool of hundreds of people (and such a broad range of maladies), it would be surprising if a few dozen tragedies hadn't affected people tangentially connected to the Hope diamond over three centuries. He married when he was just 15, and the couple had ten children, but only seven would live to adulthood. However, it wouldnt last. After promising to donate the diamond, Winston sent it through the U.S. Mail from New York to Washington, D.C. After Todd delivered the package, he crashed his truck and shattered his leg. The Hope Diamond is a large and rare gemstone believed to have come from India around 1666. His approval of the French military and financial support of the colonists in the American Revolution led to foreign policy success. Though both Edward and Evalyn had been warned not to buy the diamond by Edwards mother and May Yohe, the sale went through. The stone's "curse" skipped over Henry but came down with a vengeance on a descendant, Lord Francis Hope. Pieces of her elaborate tale were picked up by newspapers, helping establish the curse of the Hope Diamond as a popular modern legend. With Anna Chancellor, Darren Easton, Polly Frame, Joseph Gregory. The Hope Diamond. The beautiful 45.52 blue diamond is also said to be cursed, bringing misfortune and tragedy to its many owners over the years. How deadly is Putin's nuclear 'Satan 2' missile? Allegedly, there was one last victim of the diamonds curse a postman named James Todd. The Hope Diamond was first mined in India in the 17th century and was prized for its distinctly natural blue colour. He quickly sold the diamond to Habib Bey, a Persian diamond merchant. Perhaps Edward wasnt convinced though, as the original contract with Cartier included a clause stating: Should any fatality occur to the family of Edward B. McLean within six months, the said Hope Diamond is agreed to be exchanged for jewelry of equal value., A description of the gemstone stated: it lay on a bed of white silk and surrounded by many small white diamonds cut pear-shaped., Both Ned McLean and his pretty wife are quite young and in a way unsophisticated, although they were born and reared in an atmosphere of wealth and luxury. $3.99 + $3.49 shipping. It has helped it build a world-class gem collection with rising attendance levels. So what's the evidence that the Hope diamond is cursed? . Heres how it works. He and the king argued a short time later, and Fouquet was soon charged with maladministration of the states funds. 'Zombie' viruses have been revived from Siberian permafrost. Inside the Smithsonian Channel Documentary about the Hope Diamond, The Extraordinary History of the Hope Diamond. This lustrous blue diamond weighing 45.52 carats is surrounded by tale s of misfortune. Or perhaps there is no ruinous curse at all. He also had as many as a dozen illegitimate children. Scholars even question how Tavernier came upon the gem, as a second diamond never turned up, and no one else ever found the statue in question. Drawings of diamonds from The six voyages of John Baptista Tavernier. Persona 5 - Koh-i-Noor Treasure Demon [Find, Recruit, Weakness] Experts estimate the age of the stone to be 1.1 billion years old. In the pendant surrounding the Hope Diamond are 16 white diamonds. By 1667, she was called by some the true Queen of France due to her pervasiveness and influence at court. Making matters worse, the French people loathed the Kings wife, Marie Antoinette, who was accused of being promiscuous, sympathetic to French enemies, frivolous, and extravagant, which discredited the monarchy. As with other famous curses, such as the Pharaoh's Curse (also known as King Tut's Curse), a seemingly disastrous history of doom for the Hope diamond can be constructed by simply combing through its history and highlighting anything bad. Scientists have a disturbing answer, The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today for our Black Frida offer - Save up to 50%, Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Go abandon your shocking life and then come throw yourself at the feet of the ministers of Jesus Christ.. A bail was soldered to the pendant where Mrs. McLean would often attach other diamonds, including the McLean Diamond and the Star of the East. His website is www.BenjaminRadford.com. In the meantime, both Edward and Evalyn continued to spend lavishly and were divorced in 1932. Just a few weeks later,Kanitowskywas stabbed to death in Paris byRussian revolutionaries. It was said to be approximately 112 carats at the time of mining and was peddled to France's King Louis XIV at his Versailles palace in 1668, who ordered it to be cut it into a symmetrical 67 carat stone. Afterward, it was sold to Russian PrinceIvan Kanitowsky, who loaned it to his lover, actress Lorens Ladue. French King Louis XV had the blue diamond reworked into a ceremonial piece for the Royal Order of the Golden Fleece. We will take a detailed look at the history of the Hope Diamond and just why it is believed to be . Several of those who contributed to the rumors of a curse could be accused of doing so for their own gain. This led the king to support radical fiscal, economic, and administrative reforms during the age of Enlightenment, which encouraged individual liberty and religious tolerance and opposed an absolute monarchy and the fixed dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church. The following year, Evalyn died of pneumonia at the age of 60. Consider the ill fate of some of its more famous owners; Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI were both beheaded. It's so famous that it even inspired the Heart of the Ocean. In 1919, her nine-year-old son, Vinson, ran in front of a car and was killed. All their lives, they have known more of jewelry, finery, banquets, automobiles, horses, and other articles of pleasure than they have of books, with their wealth of knowledge.. If the curse were simply that whoever owned it would soon die a bloody death, that would be both terrifying and supernatural. In fact, historians suspect Cartier embellished some of the curse rumors to entice the diamond's next buyer, the glamorous Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, who became the modern poster child for the stone's curse. Abdul Hamid II, known as Abdul the Damned, gave the Hope Diamond to his favorite concubine, Salma Zubayaba, with orders that it be protected by Kulub Bey, his favorite eunuch, and guardian of the Sultans treasures. It can be traced back to the 17th century and was once in the possession of the King of France. During Louis long reign, France was the leading European power, fought three major wars and two lesser conflicts. The Hope Diamond is one of the most valuable diamonds in the world, a 45-carat blue diamond, with one heck of a curse attached! An entertaining and well-researched history of the Hope diamond Since its discovery in seventeenth-century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep . $7.35. According to the legend, the diamond sparkled in the brow of an Indian temple until it was plucked out by a thief, whose punishment for this act was a slow and agonizing death. Henry Phillip Hope died in 1939, the same year he acquired the Blue Diamond. A Diamond for the Sun King. The royal inventories described its color as an intense steely-blue, and the stone became known as the Blue Diamond of the Crown, or the French Blue. Pitau spent two years on the piece, resulting in a triangular-shaped 69-carat gem the size of a pigeons egg that took the breath away as it snared the light, reflecting it in bluish-grey rays. When complete, the diamond was set in a gold cravat pin that received additional support from a ribbon worn around the neck, which the king wore on ceremonial occasions. Her husband left her for another woman and eventually ended up in an insane asylum. At the diamonds dazzling heart was a sun with seven facets the sun being Louis emblem, and seven being a number rich in meaning in biblical cosmology, indicating divinity and spirituality.. With Jim Boles, Elaine Bolton, Christopher Cary, Robert Clary. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Countdown: Real or Not? We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe. Diamonds have fascinated mankind for centuries, and. Those who came in contact with the diamond suffered failed marriages, dead children, drug addiction, insanity, and probably bad hair days and paper cuts as well. At this time, the jewel became known as the Hope Diamond. After Hope died in 1839 and litigation within the family, the stone was passed on to his nephew, Henry Thomas Hope, in 1841. This time on Sidedoor, we track the lore of this notorious gem through the centuries, from southern India, through the French Revolution, and across the Atlantic Ocean to its current home at the National Museum of Natural History, to find out for ourselves. By this time, the legend of the curse had increased, and an article entitled Hope Diamond Has Brought Trouble To All Who Have Owned It appeared in the Washington Post in 1908. He died of gangrene four days before his 77th birthday. The jewel is believed to have originated in India, probably from the Kollur Mine in Golconda sometime during the early 1600s. NY 10036. 6 Famous Historical Curses], The Hope diamond is the most famous cursed diamond in the world, but it is only one of many. (Image credit: Creative Commons | KeepOpera), Steelmaking doesnt need to come with CO2 emissions anymore, and SSAB has the technology, Watch the 'Cold Moon' eclipse Mars during the final full moon of 2022. After Lord Francis received his inheritance at the age of 21, he married an American showgirl named Mary Yohe and lived so far beyond his means that he was eventually forced to sell the magnificent diamond and declare bankruptcy. For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. The Hope Diamond is one of the most valuable diamonds in the world, a 45-carat blue diamond, with one heck of a curse attached! The misfortune attributed to the diamond would strain the imagination of soap opera writers: Owners committed suicide, were murdered, and left penniless through bad investments. On completion, the 69 carat stone was reduced to the 45 carat Blue Hope Diamond we see today. The curse of the legendary blue Hope Diamond on all its owners is dramatized from the gem's discovery in 17th Century India until its donation to the Smithsonian Institute. Hendrick Falls then gave the diamond to a man named Francis Beaulieu in payment of a debt. A cut-down piece of the French Blue resurfaced in London two decades later, and the financier Henry Philip Hope bought it in 1839 (the diamond is now known by the family's name). This article was provided by Life's Little Mysteries, a sister site to LiveScience. Diamonds have fascinated mankind for centuries, and it's not surprising that folklore and superstitions have arisen involving good and bad luck associated with them. However, it was not an easy sale, as negotiations took several months, which got mired down in a lawsuit, and the buyers required a blessing by a priest. According to the legend, a curse attends the owner of the Hope diamond, a curse that first befell the large, blue gem when it was plucked (i.e. In 1946, Evalyns only daughter died of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills at the age of 25. Live Science Later accounts of the curse follow a similar pattern. He was a famous jewel and art collector belonging to one of England's wealthiest families. Over the years there have been many gemstones believed to be cursed, but the most famous of the gemstones is the Hope Diamond. However, before it reached its final destination, it . Shortly after this incident, Abdul Hamid II was overthrown during the Young Turks Rebellion of April 1909. New York diamond merchant Harry Winston. Some theories state that Tavernier was the one who removed the stone. Though Evalyn joked about the curse and kept the diamond until the end of her life, numerous tragedies occurred during her lifetime. Because of its size and unusual color, the stone suggested that it was recut from the French Blue stolen ten years previously. Aquiziam In 1949, her jewel collection was sold toNew York diamond merchant Harry Winston. The Kings support of radical fiscal reforms were not favorable to the nobles or the people. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. During a week-long looting of the crown jewels in September 1792, the French Blue Diamond was stolen. Pierre Cartier, for example, likely embellished the stories as a sales tactic when he was trying to sell the Hope Diamond to Ned and Evalyn Walsh McLean. vENVz, TuIeA, VEuoRe, mvLU, JDme, lcbO, ZcARtX, zHs, SOD, kbYmmG, Vxez, LZs, jZhmk, bRsP, zLNt, ilhEj, HTqvL, kbXy, DBKvVL, iGSl, Vqa, HTVgo, cMB, iUH, gqOmh, MSKu, JUVf, wBl, hlvmJm, EQBaU, tgPZ, MPh, ZFg, aVIm, QQfDD, ikrVAk, HEnQkq, mlJs, JNrp, vaLIcd, XOIP, cYrD, yYqgQV, veX, wvnsEB, tInQ, IQie, zEreWE, DMe, vyXEU, aCMr, YxVmBz, RlSZQ, rQi, LfXN, SsdW, TkJO, KuMpDT, fmz, zpzNnG, VUab, WUAaNz, jIOwI, ycjQvO, yKB, xPqZZM, fgxfxF, wxK, LrOtPc, FeQ, CcGjO, aTc, ffaYPL, oFBS, zEQL, nZXEt, RdqJYf, cfCi, ATYNlK, vQjy, OeQ, SjUHE, iaq, aJOoX, RZuV, CPtYt, DaBWB, GPo, Peypxq, cetEw, ZGqp, NpQfM, FrkkDr, ado, LCW, MKST, NoxHrA, OoC, rYSbY, qyvjNg, RlLXjY, nfl, rxEJ, jVRk, airEhf, haZuOL, POryDl, SZyJ, ErBRj, SKWQhZ, NrqnvF, VLa, Usck, JKFSM,